Evans calls for spirit of Johnson

The British

& Irish Lions

Tour to New Zealand 2017

Evans calls for spirit of Johnson

Ieuan Evans has warned the British & Irish Lions they will need a squad of 44 Martin Johnsons to overcome the huge physical and psychological challenges that lie ahead in New Zealand this summer.

Evans toured three times with the Lions and knows exactly the qualities required if the 2005 squad are to be victorious on what he calls "the benchmark tour".

Johnson was an immense leader of both the Lions and England and Evans has called on all the players who will be named in Sir Clive Woodward's squad on Monday to emulate his fearless, belligerent determination.

"In New Zealand rugby is the national sport. It is not only physically challenging, it's psychologically challenging. The pressure is inescapable, you can't shy away from it, you can't show any fear," he said.

"It's a massive challenge. Whether you are in Invercargill or in the Bay of Islands, whether you are in the local corner shop or the local cafeteria, it is just in your face.

"It takes a certain type of player to flourish in that environment. You can't take a backward step out there, it's impossible. You have to take them on.

"If you have the belligerence that Martin Johnson brought to bear, that is what we need."